HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 443

Chapter 443

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“We’re here,” Lydia said. All this time, Althea-sitting beside her-hadn’t spoken a word. Lydia didn’t mind. In moments like these, silence wasn’t about creating distance. It was about giving space to find the best way forward.

“Oh… you’re right.” Althea let out a long breath. “I didn’t even realize.”

Lydia only smiled. “Come on, let’s get out. The weather’s pretty kind today.” She picked up the bouquet she’d brought to place on Chase’s grave. To Lydia, Chase had been the best male friend she’d ever had.

She carried many memories of Chase with her. Not all of them were pleasant-he’d always loved teasing her-but whenever Lydia truly needed someone, Chase had always been there.

Althea did the same. Together, they walked side by side toward the place where Chase rested in eternal peace.

A gentle breeze swept through the cemetery, carrying the scent of damp earth and freshly fallen leaves. The sky was overcast but held back the rain-as if pausing, giving room to a conversation that didn’t want to be rushed.

Althea stood before Chase Miller’s headstone, both hands gripping the bouquet of white flowers she still hadn’t set down. Her eyes traced his name, letters she knew by heart, yet each time she read them, her chest tightened all the same.

It would be a lie to say Althea hadn’t felt anger and frustration when her last visit to Chase’s grave had turned into something deeply unsettling. If only the culprit had already been dealt with, she wouldn’t feel this irritated now. Back then, there had been so many things she’d wanted to say.

“Josh is growing up much faster than I expected,” Althea finally said, her voice soft but steady. “He’s starting to see the world in his own way. He argues more now-very direct, very calculating… sometimes I see you in him.”

She smiled faintly, holding back the ache creeping into her heart.

“He’s becoming exactly what you hoped for in a Josh Grayson. A considerate, attentive big brother-someone who always protects his little sister.” Pride filled her voice. “When he gets his early semester break, I’ll bring him to visit you.”

Lydia stood a few steps behind her, giving space while staying alert. She knew Althea didn’t want to be alone today

-she just didn’t want to be pressed.

“And Grace,” Althea continued. “Your daughter is growing up cheerful, stubborn, and always craving attention. Every time she laughs, the smile lines look just like yours. Her eyes, too. Anyone who sees her would agree with me. Grace is you-in a girl’s form.” Althea laughed softly.

“I’m sure you hear it every time Grace laughs,” she said with a sigh, lowering her head. “I’m sure you’re happy, seeing them.”

At last, she placed the flowers before the headstone. Her fingers trembled slightly.

“But you wouldn’t like seeing me like this,” she added, her voice even softer now. “I know that.”

Lydia stepped closer. “Althea,” she said gently but firmly, resting a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder. ” You’re not wrong for feeling all of this.”

Althea shook her head slowly. “I don’t want to doubt Chase. I really don’t, Lydia. But the questions keep coming, over and over.” She turned to look at her. “Is it really possible that he left a pregnant woman without support? Without taking responsibility?”

Lydia didn’t answer right away. She glanced at the headstone, then back at Althea. “Do you think Chase was that

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Chapter 443

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kind of man?”

“No,” Althea replied instantly. “I never knew him to be that way.”

“I knew Chase the same way you did,” Lydia said softly. “And I’m certain he would never do something that reckless.”

“Then,” Lydia continued, “don’t let other people’s influence replace your memories of Chase, Althea.”

Neither of them spoke after that. They let the gentle breeze brush against their faces, slightly tousling the strands of hair that fell across their cheeks. The wind tugged lightly at the hem of Althea’s black coat.

“Sometimes,” Althea said quietly, “I’d be lying if I said I never compared Chase to Daven. The way Daven treats me-back then and now. The way he stays by my side even when half of my heart still belongs to someone else. I keep asking myself… why is there a version of Chase being painted as a man who abandoned everything?”

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